Hard to focus Ciro Flex Model E TLR and Argoflex Model E TLR

spoolman · May 29, 2019

I purchased both of these cameras off eBay last week.I noticed that the focus screens on both cameras were significantly dark. I disassembled the view hoods of both cameras and cleaned both with lens cleaning tissue and fluid but there was little improvement. I also noticed with the Argoflex that I found it difficult to get a sharp image on the ground glass view screen.

I know that these cameras are not quality cameras but I have read that they both can produce sharp,contrasty images. Or have I bought two pigs in a poke.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Doug

btaylor · May 30, 2019

A very common cause of dark focus screen in TLRs are dirty or deteriorated mirrors in the viewfinder path. You have to pull the focusing screen to get to it.

spoolman · May 30, 2019

btaylor said:
A very common cause of dark focus screen in TLRs are dirty or deteriorated mirrors in the viewfinder path. You have to pull the focusing screen to get to it.

I've already cleaned the mirrors in both cameras. They weren't that dirty.

Doug

summicron1 · May 30, 2019

It depends on what you are comparing them to. In my experience, the viewing screens in 1950s TLRs are all a bit dim, especially compared to the bright screen in my Rollei. Even the factory ground glass in my 2.8 E model is a lot dimmer than I like if I take out the little plastic screen with the etched grooves the name of which is spiffy sci-fi but I can't come up with it but you know, that screen thing.

Anyway. Yeah: 1950s TLRs are hard to focus.

But that doesn't mean the taking lenses are bad. Probably just fine. Go shoot film, report back.

KN4SMF · May 30, 2019

Most any TLR I've ever fooled with had basically the same problem. They were meant to be a step above a box camera, and to be used as such. In this day and time with LED TV's with 1 billion megapixel resolution, a TLR stacks up worse all the time. Of course it's dark and hard to use. There is little remedy. That's just the way it is, other than the charm of using an axe and a draw knife to build a house. Remember that it's just a glorified box camera. Then, and now.

shutterfinger · May 30, 2019

1. remove the focus screen/ground glass from the camera.
2. wet one side at a time under warm running water (small stream).
3. apply a finger nail size amount of dish detergent. ( I use Dawn )
4. rub gently with your finger tips only while holding by opposing edges then rinse thoroughly.
5. turn over and repeat.
6. rinse in a weak photoflo solution then stand on edge to air dry or dry with a clean lint free cloth.
7. same procedure works for a fresnel but rub the ribbed side with the groves only.
8. not recommended for sandwiched screens.

The screen will be cleaner/brighter than a cleaning fluid or glass cleaner treatment.
Use the built in magnifier in the view hood for fine focusing.

KN4SMF · May 30, 2019

What he said. It will help.

spoolman · May 30, 2019

shutterfinger said:
1. remove the focus screen/ground glass from the camera.
2. wet one side at a time under warm running water (small stream).
3. apply a finger nail size amount of dish detergent. ( I use Dawn )
4. rub gently with your finger tips only while holding by opposing edges then rinse thoroughly.
5. turn over and repeat.
6. rinse in a weak photoflo solution then stand on edge to air dry or dry with a clean lint free cloth.
7. same procedure works for a fresnel but rub the ribbed side with the groves only.
8. not recommended for sandwiched screens.

The screen will be cleaner/brighter than a cleaning fluid or glass cleaner treatment.
Use the built in magnifier in the view hood for fine focusing.

thanks for the tip. I'll give it a try later today.

Doug

MattKing · May 30, 2019

KN4SMF said:
Most any TLR I've ever fooled with had basically the same problem. They were meant to be a step above a box camera, and to be used as such. In this day and time with LED TV's with 1 billion megapixel resolution, a TLR stacks up worse all the time.

Guess you have never used a good TLR.
With decent technique, I am comfortable making 16"x16" prints with my Mamiya TLR. If I am particularly careful, larger prints are easily accomplished. Similar results are easily obtained with Rollieflex, Yashica, Minolta and several others.

For my last group show, four of my 6 images came from my Mamiya TLR. The other two came from my RB67.

And by the way, a so called 4K TV only offers about 4 megapixels of resolution - somewhat less that the potential resolution from a 110 film negative.

Hard to focus Ciro Flex Model E TLR and Argoflex Model E TLR

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